MoD Bomber Command Memorial

The Ministry of Defence has announced today that it plans to build a Bomber Command Memorial which will honour over 50,000 airman who were killed in World War Two. The intended site for this is London’s Green Park following the issuing of a contract for its construction by the Bomber Command Association.
Designed by architect Liam O’Connor, who previously designed the Armed Forces Memorial in Staffordshire, the memorial will feature as its centrepiece a nine-foot-high (2.7m) bronze sculpture by Philip Jackson depicting a seven-man bomber crew returning to base after operations.

The news that construction will now begin on the memorial follows a three-year campaign to create it, with significant contributions to the Memorial Campaign having been made by the general public in the UK and worldwide.

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: “The Royal Parks are at the heart of our country’s ceremonial life and this commemoration of Bomber Command in Green Park will be welcomed by many across the world as a fitting tribute to those who fought in the skies for our freedom”.

The memorial is due for completion in 2012 when the RAF Benevolent Fund will take over its ownership and ongoing maintenance.